Why play box lacrosse?

Oct. 29, 2024

Box lacrosse is a great sport for kids to play because it offers a unique blend of physical, mental, and social benefits. Here's a breakdown of why it's a fantastic choice for young athletes:

1. Improves Athletic Skills

Hand-Eye Coordination: Box lacrosse requires players to handle the ball in tight spaces, improving their hand-eye coordination, which is valuable in many other sports.
Speed and Agility: The fast-paced nature of the game requires players to be quick on their feet, making split-second decisions, which enhances overall agility and reaction time.
Stick Skills: Kids develop excellent stick handling skills, including passing, catching, and shooting in confined spaces. These skills translate well to field lacrosse, as well as other ball sports.

2. Physical Fitness

Cardiovascular Endurance: The game involves a lot of running, quick changes in direction, and bursts of speed, helping kids improve their endurance and overall fitness.
Strength and Conditioning: Box lacrosse is a physically demanding sport that helps build muscle strength, especially in the legs, core, and upper body.

3. Mental Toughness

Resilience: With a smaller playing area and the presence of boards, box lacrosse is a more physical sport where players often get checked into the boards or face off in tough situations. Kids learn to be resilient, bouncing back after physical play.
Quick Thinking: The fast pace of box lacrosse means players must think quickly and react under pressure, sharpening their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

4. Teamwork and Communication

Team Dynamics: Box lacrosse requires intense communication on the floor. Players must work together in tight spaces, which fosters teamwork, collaboration, and trust.
Social Skills: Being part of a team helps kids build friendships, learn to cooperate with others, and develop social confidence both on and off the field.

5. Sportsmanship and Discipline

Respect for the Game: Box lacrosse teaches kids respect for their teammates, coaches, referees, and opponents. Learning to follow rules, play with integrity, and handle victories or losses graciously is a key part of the experience.
Discipline: The structure of practices, games, and training encourages kids to develop a strong work ethic and discipline, which can carry over into other areas of life.

6. Enjoyment and Fun

Excitement: The intensity of box lacrosse, with fast breaks, hard checks, and lots of goals, makes it an incredibly fun and exciting game for kids. This thrill keeps them motivated to practice and improve.
Creativity: Players often have the freedom to be creative with their plays, trying out new moves, passes, and shots, which helps develop their personal style and makes the game more enjoyable.

7. Inclusive and Accessible

All Ages and Skill Levels: Box lacrosse is adaptable to a wide range of ages and skill levels, making it accessible for kids just starting out, as well as more experienced players.
Indoor Play: Played indoors, it’s an excellent sport for kids in regions where outdoor lacrosse or other sports might be limited by weather, especially during the winter months.

8. Transferable to Other Sports

Cross-Training Benefits: The skills developed in box lacrosse can transfer well to other sports, such as field lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and soccer. Kids who play box lacrosse often see improvements in their performance in other athletic activities.